Course Description

Course Overview:

This session challenges the idea that more energy efficiency is always better. Through real projects and hands-on experience, we’ll look at where high-performance design starts to lose value. You’ll hear from an architect, a builder, and an energy and carbon consultant. We’ll cover when energy modelling goes too far, what actually works on site, and how to balance operational and embodied carbon without overbuilding. The goal is simple: help you make smarter decisions that deliver real performance, not just better numbers on paper.

Key Learning Outcomes:

- Understand where common high-performance measures add cost without meaningful benefit, based on real construction experience 

- Learn practical alternatives that achieve similar performance with simpler, more cost-effective approaches 

- Recognize how to balance energy efficiency decisions with constructability, durability, and overall project value 

Takeaway:

Spot when to adjust your approach to communicate more effectively with designers and consultants when proposed measures don’t align with real-world construction in order to deliver projects that balance performance, cost, and buildability without compromising quality 



Thank you to our Sponsors:
Patron Sponsor: BC Housing 

Presenting sponsor: FortisBC



Instructor(s)

Owner, JDL Homes

Doug Langford

JDL Homes Vancouver is an award-winning Design/Build Construction Company, owned and operated by Doug Langford. Doug grew up in rural Southern Ontario where his life on the family farm taught him the value of family and a hard day's work. Doug combines this work-ethic with his passion for High performance construction. Following in his ancestor’s footsteps as master builders, Doug enjoys being hands-on throughout the construction process. With over 25 years’ experience, Doug brings a wealth of knowledge to every renovation and custom home project they build. He takes pride in being a builder of Passive and Net Zero Homes and is a member of the Home Builders' Association Vancouver (HAVAN) and participants in the Renovator’s and Custom Home Builders Council.

Owner

Nick Bray

Nick, an AIBC registered Architect, has been working in practice since 2001 after graduating from the Welsh School of Architecture. He gained a diverse background of international experience prior to moving to Vancouver in 2010. Since moving to Canada, Nick has been lead designer for a number of award-winning buildings whilst working for other practices, and since starting his own Studio, Nick Bray Architecture Ltd. His work specializes in designing highly-sustainable residential and commercial buildings.

Elisabeth Baudinaud, Carbon Wise